Plastic nut for connecting panel-like parts

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a plastic nut for inserting into a through-hole in a panel-like component, the plastic nut comprising retaining parts, of which one is designed as a flange which can be pressed onto the component from the fitting side and another is designed as snap-action hooks which can be pressed on from the opposite side and are intended for latching in behind the component, the retaining parts being provided with a nut part which has a receiving bore for a screw, the flange being a constituent part of a flange part which encloses the nut part, and it being possible for the nut part to be pressed in the direction of the flange, in which case the nut part, which can be moved axially with respect to the flange part, is pressed in the direction of the flange part by an elastic supporting arrangement which forms a spring zone, it being the case that, once the plastic nut has been inserted, the spring zone brings the nut part and the flange part into abutment against the component, different thicknesses of the component being compensated in the process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a plastic nut for inserting into a through-holein a panel-like component, the plastic nut comprising retaining parts,of which one is designed as a flange which can be pressed onto thecomponent from the fitting side and another is designed as snap-actionhooks which can be pressed on from the opposite side and are intendedfor latching in behind the component, the retaining parts being providedwith a nut part which has a receiving bore for a screw, the flange beinga constituent part of a flange part which encloses the nut part, and itbeing possible for the nut part to be pressed in the direction of theflange.

A nut of this type is disclosed in DE-A 29 28 619. The known nut isformed in one piece from plastic and essentially comprises a nut partwhich is provided with a receiving bore for a screw and is connected,via film hinges, to two flange halves arranged on either side of it. Theconnection of the nut part to the two flange halves via a film hinge ineach case makes it possible for the entire structural element withlaterally extending flange halves to be injection moulded in one mould,whereupon the action of pressing the two flange halves onto the nutpart, this being made possible by the elasticity of the film hinges,produces the finished plastic nut, in which the nut part is connected tothe two flange halves in an axially non-displaceable manner. Snap-actionhooks with insertion slopes provided on them project laterally from thenut part, these hooks being pressed together when the plastic nut isinserted into the through-hole in a panel-like component and, when theflange halves butt against the component, spring back and latch inbehind the component in the process. On account of the given distancebetween the snap-action hook and the flange halves, the known plasticnut can be inserted into through-holes in panel-like components ofdifferent thicknesses, as long as the thickness does not exceed saiddistance. However, due to the possible play of the panel-like componentbetween the flange halves and the snap-action hook, the plastic nut isonly retained loosely when it is inserted into a through-hole, whichsituation is not desirable in the case of pre-fitted structuralelements, in particular during transportation and later use. In the caseof the known plastic nut, fixed connection to a panel-like component isbrought about by a screw which is screwed into the nut part drawing thenut part, along with its snap-action hooks, in the direction of theflange halves, as a result of which the film hinges break off and, underthe action of the screwing-in movement, the nut part is pressed onto thepanel-like component by way of its snap-action hooks. In the event ofthe screw being released, the plastic nut then necessarily loosens withrespect to the panel-like component.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a plastic nut of the typementioned in the introduction which can be fitted on panel-likecomponents of different thicknesses such that the plastic nut adaptsautomatically to the respective thickness of the component and producesa vibration-free connection.

This object is achieved in that the nut part, which can be moved axiallywith respect to the flange part, is pressed in the direction of theflange part by an elastic supporting arrangement which forms a springzone, it being the case that, once the plastic nut has been inserted,the spring zone brings the nut part and the flange part into abutmentagainst the component, different thicknesses of the component beingcompensated in the process.

The spring zone which acts between the nut part and the flange halvesprovides an elastic supporting arrangement by which the nut part ispressed automatically in the direction of the flange, with the resultthat, under the spring stressing provided by the spring zone, theplastic nut is secured on the component, by way of its flange and itssnap-action hooks, such that it does not vibrate, this resulting in anon-rocking and thus non-rattling connection between the plastic nut andcomponent. The plastic zone thus makes it possible, while compensatingdifferent thicknesses of the component which receives the plastic nut,that, once the plastic nut has been inserted, the nut part and flangepart butt against the component irrespective of the action of a screwbeing tightened, as a result of which the very insertion of the plasticnut results in a vibration-free connection between the component and theplastic nut.

In order to prevent the nut part from being able to turn with respect tothe flange part in the event of a screw being screwed into the nut partand tightened, the flange part has a guide for the nut part, by means ofwhich the flange part retains the nut part such that it cannot turn.

Expediently, the nut part is pressed in the direction of the flange byan elastic supporting arrangement which forms a spring zone. The plasticnut then secures itself on the relevant component, with the result that,in the event of deformation of the elastic supporting arrangement, inthe region of its spring zone, the plastic nut is positioned against thecomponent such that it does not vibrate, and this results in anon-rocking and thus non-rattling connection between the plastic nut andcomponent. Of course, it is also possible here that the plastic nut,when inserted into a particularly thin component, only butts against thecomponent loosely, although definitive fastening on the component isproduced in that the action of tightening the screw for fastening afurther subassembly on the panel-like component also fastens the plasticnut on the component.

The spring zone makes it possible, while compensating differentthicknesses of the component which receives the plastic nut, that, oncethe plastic nut has been inserted, the nut part and flange part buttagainst the component, this resulting in a vibration-free connectionbetween the component and plastic nut.

The flange is expediently designed as a plate, the nut part then beingprovided with the snap-action hooks. When the plastic nut is insertedinto a component, the flange, which is designed as a plate, then comesinto abutment against the component, while, on the opposite side, thesnap-action hooks of the nut part latch in behind the component and thusconnect the plastic nut to the component.

Another possible configuration of the plastic nut is that in which theflange is divided up into segments which are each provided with asnap-action hook. In this case, the plastic nut latches to the componentvia the snap-action hooks which are connected to the flange, the nutpart forming the abutment with respect to the snap-action hook.

If the nut part is provided with the snap-action hooks, the plastic nutis suitable, in particular, for being inserted into the through-hole inthe component with the nut part in front. If, on the other hand, theflange is provided with the snap-action hooks, then this provides thepossibility of inserting the nut part into the through-hole in thecomponent with the flange in front. Furthermore, it is also possiblethat, in addition to the flange provided with the snap-action hooks, thenut part is also provided with snap-action hooks, which results in sucha plastic nut being able to be inserted into the through-hole in acomponent from either side of the latter.

In order that the nut part is guided securely in the flange part, theflange part is expediently configured such that it surrounds the nutpart in a sleeve-like manner.

In order to avoid overstressing of the strip arrangement, the flangepart and the nut part are expediently provided with stops for limitingthe capacity for axial movement of the nut part with respect to theflange part.

Favourable production of the nut part and flange part can be achieved inthat the nut part and flange part are connected to one anotherintegrally via the plastic strips, which form the elastic striparrangement.

The nut part and flange part can also be held together by a latchingmeans, which takes effect when the nut part is pushed into the flangepart.

In an appropriate configuration, the latching means expediently containsthe elastic strips.

In order that, when a screw is screwed into the nut part, the flangepart does not turn at the same time, the flange is expediently provided,on its side which is directed towards the nut part, with aturning-prevention means which fits into the through-holes.

The plastic nut may also be configured such that it seals thethrough-hole. This is achieved in that the flange is provided with asealing zone.

In order to configure the plastic nut favourably for the purpose ofreceiving a screw, the receiving bore of the nut part is expedientlyconfigured such that the receiving bore forms a through-hole on the sidewhich is directed towards the flange and has a narrower region adjoiningsaid through-hole. The receiving bore then makes it possible, first ofall over its length which forms the through-hole, to receive the screw,which is thus guided for the following screwing-in operation. Thenarrower region, which adjoins the through-hole, is then provided forreceiving the thread of the screw. For this purpose, the narrower regionmay have a diameter which makes it possible for a self-tapping screw tobe screwed in. It is also possible, however, for the narrower region tobe provided with a thread which matches the thread of a screw which isto be screwed in. In order to make it easier to screw in a screw, thereceiving bore is expediently provided, at its transition to itsnarrower region, with a thread-like slope with one or more steps, intowhich the screw can be easily screwed.

In order to extend the possibility of compensating different thicknessesof the component, it is possible that, on its side which is directedtoward the component, the flange is provided with latching noses whichcan latch in behind that side of the component which is directed awayfrom the flange. In this case, the spring zone of the elastic strips canbe designed essentially for particularly thick components and, for thecase where the plastic nut is fitted on a particularly thin component,the latter can be secured on the plastic nut by means of the latchingnoses.

The plastic nut may also be configured such that it can be used tocompensate relatively large tolerances as regards the position of thescrew, received by it, with respect to the flange part and thus withrespect to the through-hole in the panel-like component. This isachieved in that the nut part has a degree of play with respect to theflange part which permits mutual displacement in the radial direction.The flange part thus guides the nut part with this degree of play, withthe result that a screw which is to be screwed into the nut part canfind its own position with respect to the component within this degreeof play.

It is also possible to make the snap-action hooks act in a particularmanner. Specifically, the snap-action hooks may be connected resilientlyto the nut part such that, upon insertion, they pass essentially freelythrough the through-hole and, for the purpose of latching in, can bepressed outwards by the action of the screw being screwed in. This makesit easier to insert the plastic nut into a through-hole in a panel-likecomponent, which is essential practice, in particular, in the case ofcomponents consisting of sensitive material. This is because, in thecase of the envisaged configuration, the snap-action hooks can passthrough the through-hole virtually without contact, with the result thatthey cannot adversely affect the material of the panel-like component.For the purpose of latching the snap-action hooks in, the action ofscrewing in a screw is used, this screw, when screwed into the receivingbore in the nut part, pressing the snap-action hooks outwards, with theresult that the latter are positioned against the component on that sidewhich is directed away from the flange. In this manner, a secureconnection between the plastic nut and the component can be produced bythe pressure of the screw on the snap-action hooks in the radialdirection.

A further configuration consists in that the snap-action hooks passrigidly into the nut part, and the nut part is connected to the flangepart via an elastic supporting arrangement, which presses the nut partin the direction of the flange part and also retains the nut part,together with the snap-action hooks, in a rotationally resilient mannerwith respect to the flange part. This configuration of the plastic nutmakes it possible for the latter to be inserted into a through-hole inwhich, on account of a turning-prevention means which fits into thethrough-hole and is positioned on the plastic nut, the plastic nutitself is retained such that it cannot turn, it being possible, onaccount of the nut part being retained in a rotationally resilientmanner with respect to the flange part, for the nut part to be turnedinto a position in which the snap-action hooks connected rigidly to saidnut part can be guided through recesses of the through-hole. On accountof being retained in a rotationally resilient manner, the snap-actionhooks then spring back behind the component, in which case they positionthemselves behind the component and press against the latter, as aresult of which the plastic nut is connected to the component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures,in which:

FIGS. 1a-d show four views of a plastic nut in the case of which thesnap-action hooks form a constituent part of the flange part;

FIGS. 2a-c show three views of the flange part of the plastic nutaccording to FIG. 1 alone;

FIGS. 3a-c show three views of the nut part of the plastic nut accordingto FIG. 1 alone;

FIGS. 4a-d show the plastic nut according to FIG. 1, but additionallyhaving a wave-form supporting arrangement;

FIGS. 5a-d show four views of a plastic nut in the case of which thesnap-action hooks are provided on the nut part and elastic strips formthe supporting arrangement;

FIGS. 6a-c show three views of the flange part of the plastic nutaccording to FIG. 5 alone;

FIGS. 7a-c show three views of the nut part of the plastic nut accordingto FIG. 5 alone;

FIG. 8 shows the assembled arrangement of a plastic nut according toFIG. 5 which is fitted on a panel-like component and has a subassemblyscrewed on;

FIG. 9 shows a plastic nut in the case of which snap-action hooks areprovided both on the nut part and on the flange-part;

FIGS. 10a and b show two views of a plastic nut in the case of which theflange part and nut part are designed as two separate parts;

FIG. 11 shows a panel-like component with a through-hole which makes itpossible for turning to be prevented in a particular manner;

FIG. 12 shows the view of a plastic nut according to FIG. 5d with barson the flange part, said bars causing turning to be prevented;

FIG. 13 shows a modification of the plastic nut according to FIGS. 10aand b in the case of which the flange part and nut part compriseseparate parts;

FIG. 14 shows a plastic nut which is provided with a seal;

FIG. 15 shows a plastic nut which is similar to the plastic nutaccording to FIG. 5 and has a means for securing by additional latchingnoses;

FIGS. 16a-d show four views of a configuration which has snap-actionhooks which can be pressed outwards by the action of a screw beingscrewed in;

FIGS. 17a-d show, likewise in four views, an embodiment with snap-actionhooks which are provided in a rotationally resilient manner with respectto the flange part and pass rigidly into the nut part;

FIGS. 18a-c show three views of the flange part of the plastic nutaccording to FIG. 17 alone;

FIGS. 19a-c show three views of the nut part of the plastic nutaccording to FIG. 17 alone; and

FIG. 20 shows a panel-like component with recesses for the purpose offitting the plastic nut.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 1a-d is a plasticnut in the case of which the flange is provided with snap-action hooks.

FIGS. 1a and b show the plastic nut 30, as seen from the side in eachcase, in the fully assembled state with the flange part 31, which passesinto flange segments 32, 33 which terminate radially outward in thesnap-action hooks 34, 35. The flange part 31 surrounds the nut part 36in a sleeve-like manner, to be precise such that the nut part 36 can bedisplaced in the axial direction with respect to the flange part 31. Thetwo abutments 37, 38 project radially outward from the nut part 36 andcan be seen clearly from the illustration specifically of the nut part36 according to FIGS. 3a-c. The abutments 37 and 38 are connectedessentially rigidly to the nut part 36. FIG. 1c shows a view of theplastic nut 30 as seen from above, this view clearly showing the twoabutments 37 and 38 and the snap-action hooks 34 and 35. Moreover, FIG.1c shows the receiving bore, which comprises the through-hole 41 and thenarrower region 42, designed here as a blind hole, and these parts actin the same manner as those parts according to FIG. 5a-d which have thesame designations. FIG. 1d shows the plastic nut 30 as seen from theunderside. The means of limiting the capacity for axial movement of thenut part 36 with respect to the flange part 31 is configured here in thesame manner as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5.

FIGS. 2a-c illustrate three views of the flange part 31 on its own.FIGS. 3a-c show the nut part 36 on its own.

FIGS. 4a to d show the plastic nut which is illustrated in FIGS. 1a tod, although in this case the nut is supplemented by an elasticsupporting arrangement 39a, 40a which forms a spring zone. The samedesignations are used for the illustrations in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4,although all designations are supplemented by an "a" in conjunction withthe plastic nut according to FIGS. 4a to d.

The nut part 36a and the flange part 31a are attached to one another bythe wave-form supporting arrangement 39a, 40a, which projects from theflange part 31a, in the direction away from the snap-action hooks 34a,35a, with one leg in each case and forms the wave line with the peak40a, which presses against that end side of the nut part 36a which isdirected towards it. The elasticity of the supporting arrangement 39a,40amakes it possible for the nut part 36a to be displaced away from thesnap-hooks 34a, 35a, as a result of which the distance A depicted inFIG. 4b (see also FIG. 1b) can be changed accordingly, in particularincreased.

If the supporting arrangement 39a, 40a is connected in some way, e.g. byadhesive bonding, to the end side of the nut part 36a, a fixedconnection is produced between the flange part 31a and nut part 36a, andit is also possible for this connection to be designed in one piece ifthe nut part 36a and flange part 31a, together with the supportingarrangement 39a, 40a, are injection moulded from plastic in oneoperation. Otherwise, as regards the configuration and mode of operationof the plastic nut according to FIGS. 4a to d, you are referred to thecorresponding explanations relating to FIGS. 1a to d.

The exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 5a to d is aplastic nut in the case of which the nut part is provided withsnap-action hooks.

FIGS. 5a and b show the plastic nut 1, as seen from the side in eachcase, in the fully assembled state with the flange part 2, which passesinto the flange 3. The flange part 2 surrounds the nut part 4 in asleeve like manner, to be precise such that the nut part 4 can bedisplaced in the axial direction with respect to the flange part 2. Thetwo snap-action hooks 5 and 6 project radially outwards from the nutpart 4, and the abutment surfaces 7 and 8, which are directed towardsthe flange 3, of said hooks maintain the distance A from the abutmentsurfaces 9 and 10, which are directed towards the nut part 4. Thisdistance A is given in the non-fitted state of the plastic nut 1. Inorder that the inner configuration of the plastic nut 1 is clear in FIG.5a, a section of the flange part 2 and of the nut part 4 which isdirected towards the viewer is broken away in FIG. 5a, to expose areceiving bore for a screw (not illustrated) in the nut part 4, thisreceiving bore forming the through-hole 11 and the adjoining narrowerregion 12, which has a smaller diameter than the through-hole 11, withthe result that a screw which is screwed into the receiving bore 11/12is first of all guided freely in the region of the through-hole 11 and,as it is screwed further into the narrower region 12, either taps itselfa thread in this region or screws into a thread which is alreadyprovided in the region 12 (said thread not being illustrated in FIG. 5a.The through-hole 11 continues, in the direction of the flange 3, in theround through-passage 29 in the flange 3, with the result that a screwwhich is to be inserted into the plastic nut 1 can be guided through theflange 3 and inserted into the through-hole 11. As can be seen, thethrough-hole passage 29 has a larger diameter than the through-hole 11,with the result that it is possible, from the side of the flanges, for atool to exert an axial pressure on the end surfaces 99/100 of the nutpart 4, these end surface being visible in FIG. 5c, such pressure thencauses the plastic nut 1 to be pressed into the through-hole in acomponent.

The flange part 2 and the nut part 4 are connected to one another viathe two elastic strips 13 and 14. The elastic strips 13 and 14 projectfrom the flange part 2, in the direction away from the flange 3, withone leg and form a U, which has its other leg positioned against thatside of the nut part 4 which is directed away from the flange 3, saidother leg being connected fixedly to said nut part. The present case isconcerned with a single-piece plastic component which comprises flangepart 2 and nut part 4 and is injection moulded in one piece, with theresult that the two elastic strips 13 and 14 likewise consist of plasticand, on account of their relatively small thickness, have sufficientelasticity. On account of this elasticity, the nut part 4 can bedisplaced away from the flange in the axial direction, as a result ofwhich the distance A can be increased correspondingly.

The flange part 2 guides the nut part 4 with a degree of play S whichpermits mutual displacement in the radial direction (see FIGS. 5a, b andd). This play S is formed by the distance, depicted in the three figuresmentioned above, between the flange part 2 and nut part 4 in the regionin which the flange part 2 surrounds the nut part 4 in a sleeve-likemanner. This configuration allows the nut part 4 to be displaced in theradial direction with respect to the flange part, the strips 13, 14yielding correspondingly on account of their elasticity. This makes itpossible to compensate for tolerances in the dimensions of the flangepart 2 and nut part 4 and, moreover, it is thus possible for the nutpart 4 to be adapted to a possibly offset screw (see FIG. 8) within therange of the play S.

FIG. 5c shows the section along the line I--I, with the result that theabutment surfaces 7 and 8 can be seen in FIG. 5c. It is also possible tosee the bent parts 15 and 16 of the strips 13, 14 which connect theflange part 2 and the nut part 4 to one another. The slits 17 and 18ensure that the snap-action hooks 5 and 6 can move elastically and theseslits extend into the nut part 4 from the side of the flange 3. As aresult, it is only the region B in the nut part which remains, thisregion having a cross-section which ensures that the snap-action hooks 5and 6 can move.

FIG. 5d shows the plastic nut as seen from the side which is directedaway from the flange 3, in which case the two snap-action hooks 5 and 6and the elastic strips 13 and 14 are directed towards the viewer. Theviewer can also see the narrower region 12 and the flange part 2 whichsurrounds the nut part 4 in a sleeve-like manner.

It should also be pointed out that, on its side which is directed awayfrom the flange 3, the flange part 2 is provided with an inlet slope 19which makes it easier for the plastic nut 1 to be inserted into thethrough-hole in a component, it also being possible for this insertionoperation to take place automatically.

FIG. 5a also shows, in that region of the flange part 2 which isdirected away from the flange 3, the stop 20, 21 which runs on theflange part 2 between the slits 17 and 18 and interacts with thecorresponding stop 22, 23 on the snap-action hooks 5 and 6. The nut part4 with the snap-action hooks 5 and 6 can thus only be pressed away fromthe flange 3 until such time as the stops 20-22 and 21-23 come intocontact with one another and thus limit the displacement of the nut part4 with respect to the flange part 2. This also defines the maximumdistance A between the abutments surfaces 7/9 and 8/10, that is to saythe plastic nut 1 can be used for fitting out panel-like components ofcorresponding thickness.

FIG. 5c shows in the flange part 2 in each case one window 24 (see alsoFIG. 6b) through which the snap-action hook 5 or 6 passes. The axiallyrunning borders of the window 24 form stops for limiting turning of thenut part 4 with respect to the flange part 2, this resulting in theflange part 2 guiding the nut part 4 such that it cannot turn.

FIGS. 6a to c illustrate three views of the flange part 2 alone, to beprecise with those legs of the elastic strips 13 and 14 which lead tosaid flange part.

FIG. 6b also shows the window 24 in the flange part 2, through which thesnap-action hooks 5 and 6 of the nut part 4 project. The width of thewindow 24 can also be seen from FIG. 5b since said width is determinedby the outer walls of the slits 17 and 18.

FIGS. 7a to c illustrate three views of the nut part 4 on its own,chain-dotted lines depicting the bent together position of the twosnap-action hooks 5 and 6 in FIG. 7a. This is intended to indicate howthe snap-action hooks 5 and 6 move when they are inserted into athrough-hole in a component. When the nut part 4 of the relevant plasticnut comes into contact with the component by way of its flange 3, thesnap-action hooks 5 and 6 spring back into their normal position andthus latch in behind the component.

FIG. 8 shows the plastic nut 1 according to FIGS. 5a to d, 6a to c and7a to c connected to the panel-like component 25, which is retainedbetween the flange 3 and the snap-action hooks 5 and 6, the flange 3 andthe snap-action hooks 5 and 6 being pressed together on account of thestressing which is inherent in the elastic strips 13 and 14. In thisposition, in which the flange part 2 passes through the through-hole 26in the component 25, the screw 27 is screwed into the nut part 4 for thepurpose of fastening a structural element 28 (subassembly), said screwdrawing the structural element 28 onto the plastic nut 1, and thus ontothe panel-like component 25, by means of its head and thus fasteningsaid structural element on the component 25.

The panel-like component 25 may be, for example, any kind of panellingin a vehicle on which any kind of fittings, subassemblies or the likehave to be fastened, for which purpose there is required a durableconnection which can be subjected to loading and does not vibrate andfor which the wall strength of the component alone does not normallyprovide sufficient strength. In this case, the plastic nut according tothe invention has the advantage that the operation of fitting theabovementioned subassemblies and the like only requires manipulation onthe side on which the subassembly is being fitted, that is to say thereis no need for any manipulation behind the component, e.g. for securinga nut, since the configuration and method of fitting the plastic nutaccording to the invention virtually renders the latter a constituentpart of the panel-like component. In this case, the automaticallyprovided length of the plastic nut with its nut part benefits thestrength of the connection of the component and subassembly in that ascrew which is screwed into the plastic nut can be secured, over thelength of the nut part, by a plurality of thread turns, this resultingin solid anchoring for the screw in the nut part.

The plastic nut 30a which is illustrated in FIG. 4 may advantageously beinserted into the through-hole in a component from the side which isdirected away from the elastic supporting arrangement 39a, 40a, in whichcase the flange segments 32a and 33a lead. In this case, the snap-actionhooks 34a, 35a come into contact, by way of their inlet slopes 43a, 44a,with the border of the through-hole, as a result of which thesnap-action hooks 34a, 35a are easily bent together radially inwards.This is made possible by the slits 45a, 46a which project into theflange part 31a from the side of the snap-action hooks 34a, 35a. As faras the capacity of the snap-action hooks 34a, 35a to move elastically isconcerned, you are referred to the above explanations relating to theregion B in FIG. 5a.

The plastic nut 30a is fitted on a panel-like component similar to thataccording to FIG. 8 (designation 25), as is explained above, by theplastic nut 30a being inserted into the through-hole 26 (FIG. 8) untilsuch time as the snap-action hooks 34a, 35a spring outwards and positionthemselves behind the component 25, which is supported on its other sideagainst the abutments 37a and 38a. In the case of a component which isthicker than the distance A depicted in FIG. 4b, the nut part 36a ispushed away from the snap-action hooks 34a, 35a, in which case thesupporting arrangement 39a, 40a is subjected to stressing and, as aresult, presses the snap-action hooks 34a, 35a onto the component 25from one side of the latter and presses the abutments 37a, 38a againstthe component 25 from the other side, as a result of which the plasticnut 30a is fitted on the component 25 in captive fashion and such thatit does not vibrate. A further structural element may then be fastenedon the plastic nut 30a and thus on said component, by means of a screwin the same way as is explained above with reference to FIG. 8.

As explained above, the plastic nut 1 according to FIGS. 5 to 7 is onein which only the nut part 4 is provided with snap-action hooks 5, 6,with the result that the plastic nut 1 is inserted into the through-hole26 in a component 25 in a direction in which the elastic strips 13 and14 lead, whereas the plastic nut 30 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 hassnap-action hooks 34, 35 on the flange segments 32, 33, with the resultthat this plastic nut 30 can be fitted on a component in the directionin which these snap-action hooks 34, 35 lead.

FIG. 9 will now be used to explain a further exemplary embodiment, whichis configured such that it can be pushed into the component from eitherside of the latter.

As far as the nut part is concerned, the plastic nut 47 according toFIG. 9 has essentially the same structure as the nut part 4 according toFIGS. 5 and 7. The nut part has the two snap-action hooks 5 and 6 (samedesignations as in FIG. 5). As is illustrated in FIG. 7a, the twosnap-action hooks 5 and 6 can be pressed together, with the result thatthe nut part 4 can thus be pushed into the relevant component with theelastic strips 48, 49 leading. On the other hand, it is also possiblefor the plastic nut 47 to be pushed into the through-hole in a componentin the opposite direction, that is to say with the snap-action hooks34/35 leading, these hooks corresponding to the snap-action hooksaccording to FIG. 1, which have the same designations. By virtue of thearrangement of the snap-action hooks 5 and 6 and of the snap-actionhooks 34 and 35, the plastic nut 47 may thus be used universally.

FIGS. 10a and b illustrate a plastic nut 50 in the case of which theflange part 51 and the nut part 52 are held together in a manner whichis somewhat different from the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS.4 and 5. The basic configuration of the plastic nut 50 corresponds tothat of FIGS. 1a to d, so that, as far as the interaction of the flangepart 51 and nut part 52 is concerned, you can refer to the explanationsrelating to these figures. According to FIGS. 10a and b, the elasticstrips 53, 54 form a type of hook which projects from the bottom end ofthe flange part 51 and is bent radially inwards. The respective bentsection 55, 56 projects in each case into a hole 57, 58 which is made inan arm 59, 60. The arms 59, 60 project away from the nut part 52 and, byway of their holes 57, 58, form receiving means for the bent sections55, 56 of the elastic strips 53, 54. The direct single-piece connectionwhich is illustrated in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 4and 5 for connecting the strips 13, 14 and 39a, 40a depicted therein tothe relevant nut part 4 or 36 is thus replaced by the angled sections55, 56 and the associated holes 57, 58 in the exemplary embodimentaccording to FIGS. 10a and b. The plastic nut 50 thus comprises twoparts which can be injected moulded separately and are joined togetherin that when the nut part 52 is inserted into the flange part 51, whichsurrounds the nut part 52 in a sleeve-like manner, the angled sections55, 56 are first of all bent away outwards until such time as the angledsections are located opposite the holes 57, 58, whereupon the angledsections 57, 58 can be snapped into the abovementioned holes, this beingreadily possible on account of the elasticity of the strips 53, 54. Thestrips 53, 54, along with their angled sections 55, 56 then provide thenecessary clearance for the displaceability of the nut part 52 withrespect to the flange part 51 which is required for fitting the plasticnut 50, with the result that the plastic nut 50 can be fitted on acomponent in the same way as is described above, in particular inconjunction with FIGS. 4 and 9.

FIG. 10a illustrates a step 64 in the receiving bore in the nut part 52,comprising a through-hole 61 and a narrower region 62, this step beingproduced by thread-like slopes 63 being formed in the region of thetransition from through-hole 61 to the narrower region 62, as a resultof which it is made considerably easier for the first thread turn of ascrew which is to be screwed in to penetrate into the narrower region62. Of course, it is also possible for such a configuration of thethrough-hole to be provided in the case of the exemplary embodimentsexplained above.

FIG. 10b illustrates a side view, which is turned through 90° withrespect to FIG. 10a, of the plastic nut 50 and exhibits a furtherspecial feature of this plastic nut, namely the protrusions 65, 66projecting radially outwards on the flange part 51. The protrusions 65,66 are provided with inlet slopes 67, 68 which make it easier for theplastic nut 50 to be inserted into the through-hole in a component, partof which is illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 show the plan view of part of a component 69 which exhibits theround through-hole 70 with the two recesses 71, 72 into which theprotrusions 65, 66 which can be seen from FIGS. 10a and b fit. Theinteraction of the protrusions 65/66 with the recesses 71 and 72produces a means which prevents the flange part 51 from turning withrespect to the component 69. The diameter of the through-hole 70 isselected such that the sleeve-like flange part 51 can be inserted intothe relevant through-hole 70 without obstruction.

A means which prevents the flange part from turning with respect to acomponent can also be configured correspondingly in the case of theplastic nut 1 according to FIGS. 5a to d, to be precise by providingbars on that side of the flange 3 which is directed towards the relevantcomponent, as is illustrated in FIG. 12. The plastic nut according tothis figure corresponds fully to that according to FIGS. 5a to d, FIG.12 only differing from FIG. 5d insofar as the bars 73, 74 areadditionally provided on the flange 3 according to FIG. 12, which barsthen have to be inserted into a correspondingly four-sided through-holein a component in order thus, in this through-hole, to prevent theflange 3, and thus the plastic nut, from turning with respect to therelevant component.

In order to make it easier to insert the plastic nut according to FIG.12 into a rectangular through-hole, the bars 73, 74 are each providedwith inlet slopes 75, 76.

FIG. 13 illustrates a variant of the plastic nut 50 according to FIGS.10a, b, this variant only differing from the plastic nut 50 by the wayin which the flange part 51 and nut part 52 are held together. Theplastic nut 77 according to FIG. 13 has, in principle, the same elasticstrips as the plastic nut 50. However, their angled sections 55 and 56merely form stops with respect to the arms 78, 79, which are shortenedin the case of the plastic nut 77, these stops thus limiting theinsertion of the nut part 52 into the flange part 51. In order toprevent the nut part 52 from moving in the rearward direction, speciallatching noses, 80, 81 are provided on the flange part 51, theselatching noses, on account of their inlet slopes, making it possible, ormaking it easier, to insert the nut part 52 into the flange part 51.Once the nut part 52 has been fully inserted into the flange part 51,the latching noses 80, 81 latch behind the nut part 52, with the resultthat, in terms of its freedom of movement, the latter is limited in boththe forward and rearward directions. On account of the flexibility ofthe angled sections 55, 56, the necessary freedom of movement of the nutpart 52 with respect to the flange part 51 is maintained.

The plastic nut according to the invention may advantageously beprovided with a seal. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 14,which shows a plastic nut 82 which corresponds in principle to theplastic nut 1 according to FIG. 5. For this reason, it is also onlythose constituent parts of the plastic nut which are essential in thiscontext which are illustrated specifically in FIG. 14. As can be seen,the plastic nut 82 has the two snap-action hooks 5 and 6 of the nut part4 (as is also illustrated in FIG. 5a), but the flange part 83 ismodified with respect to that according to FIG. 5. This is because theflange part 83 terminates in the flange 84 which is provided with theperipheral sealing lip 85 around its border. The sealing lip 85positions itself against the component through which the plastic nutpasses and, in this way, effects sealing between the flange 84 andcomponent. The difference between the embodiment according to FIG. 5 andthat according to FIG. 14 thus essentially only resides in the fact thatthe flange 3 according to FIG. 5 is replaced by the flange 84 with thesealing lip 85. This may be an attached sealing part with the sealinglip 85. However, it is also possible for the flange 84 itself to bedesigned as a sealing part with the sealing lip 85. It should also bepointed out that the turning-prevention means in the form of the bars73/74, which can be seen from FIG. 12, is depicted in FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 illustrates a further embodiment of a plastic nut 86, whichcorresponds in principle to the plastic nut in FIG. 5. The plastic nut86 has the flange part 87 and the nut part 88, which are connected toone another via the elastic strips 89/90. The flange part 87 passes intothe flange 91, which in this case, unlike the exemplary embodimentaccording to FIG. 5, is provided with the latching noses 93, 94 on itsside which is directed towards the component 92. The plastic nut 86 isfitted on the component 92 in the same manner as in the case of theexemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, in which case the snap-actionhooks 95, 96 yield back correspondingly and finally latch in behind thecomponent 92. Moreover, the latching noses 93, 94 latch in behind thecomponent 92 in the process. The purpose of this additional means ofsecuring the plastic nut 86 on the component 92 is that, by means of thesnap-action hooks 95, 96 in conjunction with the action of the strips89, 90, a certain thickness range, for example 1-5 mm, of the component92 is spanned. This means that, in the event where the plastic nut 86 isfitted on a component 92 of only 0.5 mm in thickness, the plastic nut 86is possibly fitted loosely, which is undesirable in many applicationcases. In order, nevertheless, for the plastic nut 86 to be configuredsuch that it does not vibrate in the event of being fitted on such athin metal panel, the latching noses 93 and 94 are provided, and theseare configured such that they can position themselves resiliently behindthe border of a particularly thin component 92 and thus retain theflange part 87 on the component 92 such that it does not vibrate.

The plastic nut 86 according to FIG. 15 also contains the thread 98which is made in the narrower region 97 and is provided for receiving ascrew provided with a corresponding thread. Of course, it is possiblefor a thread of this type to be provided in all the plastic nutsdescribed above.

In the case of the exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 1to 3, the nut part 36 is retained loosely in the flange part 31 suchthat it can move axially. In the direction away from the snap-actionhooks 34/35, it is stopped by stops similar to those according to FIG. 5(designations 20/22, 21/23), but could slide out in the direction of theflange 34/35. In order to prevent this, it is also possible in theexemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 3 to provide an additionalinner latching nose, as is illustrated in FIG. 13 by designations 80 and81.

The exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 16a-d is aplastic nut 101 in the case of which the snap-action hooks 105 and 106latch in as a screw is screwed in (see screw 27 in FIG. 8 of PatentApplication 196 39 396). The plastic nut 101 corresponds largely to thataccording to FIGS. 5a-d of Patent Application 196 39 396, in the case ofwhich the snap-action hooks 5 and 6 of the plastic nut 1 of the latterpatent application are illustrated in their relaxed position, spreadradially outwards, and are positioned behind a component (not depicted).In contrast, the snap-action hooks 105 and 106 of the plastic nut 101according to FIGS. 16a-d, in the relaxed state, assume a position inwhich they are inclined towards one another, as can be seen clearly, inparticular, from FIG. 16a. As regards the other constituent parts of theplastic nut 101 and the functions thereof, you are referred to theexplanations relating to said FIGS. 5a-d. In order to aid understanding,the designations from FIGS. 5a-d have been supplemented by the number"100".

In its relaxed position according to FIG. 16a, the plastic nut 101 canbe inserted into a round through-hole, as is illustrated in FIG. 11 ofPatent Application 196 39 396 (the latter additionally having therecesses 71 and 72, which can be dispensed with for use in conjunctionwith the plastic nut 101). Once the plastic nut 101 has been insertedinto a through-hole (see FIG. 8 of Patent Application 196 39 396:through-hole 26 in the panel-like component 25), a screw (screw 27 inFIG. 8) can then be screwed into the through-hole 111 and the narrowerregion 112 of the nut part 104, in which case the two snap-action hooks105 and 106 are pressed outwards and position themselves with theirabutment surfaces 107 and 108 against the component and thus latch in.

This assembled arrangement of plastic nut, panel-like component andscrew is illustrated in said FIG. 8, so that, as regards the mode ofoperation of the plastic 101 according to FIGS. 16a-d, you can refer toFIG. 8 and the associated explanations. In each case, the action ofscrewing a screw into the plastic nut 101 to the full extent results inthe plastic nut 101, along with its snap-action hooks 105 and 106, beingin a position which corresponds to the relevant parts from FIG. 8.

The configuration of the plastic nut 101 makes it possible for theplastic nut to be inserted into the through-hole in a componentvirtually without contact, this being advantageous, in particular, whenthe borders of the through-hole in the component consist of sensitivematerial. This is the case, for example, when the plastic nut 101, ofcorresponding size, serves for insertion into lightweight structuralelements as are conventional, for example, for interior panelling.

The exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in FIGS. 17a-d, 18a-c and19a-c is a plastic nut 201 which is retained on a panel-like componenton account of the rotationally resilient connection of the snap-actionhooks with respect to the flange part.

The configuration of the plastic nut 201 likewise coincides largely withthat according to FIGS. 5a-d of Patent Application 196 39 396.5, so thatyou can refer to the associated parts of the description herebyincorporated in the present description. In order to aid understanding,the designations from FIGS. 5a-d, FIGS. 6a-c and 7a-7c are supplementedby the number "200". Unlike the plastic nut 1 according to said FIGS.5a-d, the snap-action hooks 205 and 206 pass rigidly into the nut part204 with its flange part 202, that is to say, in contrast to thesnap-action hooks 5 and 6 from the abovementioned FIGS. 5a-d, thesnap-action hooks 205 and 206 cannot be pressed together. This can beseen from that configuration of the nut part 204 which is illustrated inFIGS. 19a-c, this configuration largely following FIGS. 7a-c of PatentApplication 196 39 396.5, so that reference may be made to that part ofthe description in the abovementioned patent application which dealswith these figures. Unlike the configuration according to FIGS. 7a-7c,in which the slits 17 and 18 cause the snap-action hooks 5 and 6 to beseparated from the nut part 4 in their region, there are no such slitsin the configuration according to FIGS. 19a-c, as is shown in particularby FIG. 19c, with the result that the combination of the nut part 204and the snap-action hooks 205 and 206 fitted thereon produces a compactcomponent which is inherently rigid.

In the configuration of the plastic nut 201, use is made of theelasticity of the two strips 213 and 214 (supporting arrangement forconnecting the nut part 204 to the flange part 202), namely to theeffect that the elastic strips 213 and 214 produce a rotationallyresilient connection between the nut part 204 and flange part 202 andthus in relation to the snap-action hooks 205 and 206.

In order to be able to make use of the flange part 202 and thesnap-action hooks 205 and 206 being retained in a rotationally resilientmanner, there are provided on the flange part 202 of the plastic nutaccording to FIGS. 18a-c, in the region of the snap-action hooks 205 and206 which pass through the flange part 202, circularly extendingrecesses 240 which pass into the windows 224 (the corresponding windows24 can be seen, in particular, from FIGS. 5c and 6b of PatentApplication No. 196 39 396.5). The circular widening of the windows 224into the region of the recesses 240 makes it possible, while making useof the elasticity of the strips 213 and 214, for the nut part 204, alongwith its snap-action hooks 205 and 206 projecting rigidly from it, to beturned with respect to the flange part 202, to be precise from theposition which is illustrated by solid lines in FIG. 17c into theposition which is depicted by dashed lines. This constitutes a turnthrough approximately 45°.

It is also possible to see the recesses 240 in FIGS. 18a-c, which showthe flange part 202 with the flange 203. The illustration in FIGS. 18-cfollows that in FIGS. 6a-c from Patent Application No. 196 39 396, andyou are referred to this and the associated description.

In order to be able to insert the plastic nut according to FIGS. 17a-dinto the panel-like component 369 according to FIG. 20, the latter hasthe square through-hole 370 with the recesses 371, 372. Aturning-prevention means is produced on account of the squareconfiguration of the through-hole 370 and of the two bars 273 and 274provided on the flange part 202.

In the case of the plastic nut 201 thus inserted into the component 369,the nut part 204 is then turned such that the two snap-action hooks 205and 206 pass into the region of the recesses 371, 372, with the resultthat the plastic nut 201, together with snap-action hooks 205 and 206,can be pressed through the component 369 in its entirety until such timeas the snap-action hooks 205 and 206 pass to the rear side of thecomponent 369 (see illustration in FIG. 8 of Patent Application No. 19639 396.5) and thus, on account of the rotational resilience of thestrips 213, 214, are turned back into their normal position according toFIG. 17c. In this normal position, the snap-action hooks 205 and 206 arepositioned behind the component 369, which is thus retained, on the onehand, by the flange 203 and, on the other hand, by the snap-action hooks205, 206.

FIG. 20 shows a schematic illustration of a plastic nut 201 which isinserted into the component 369 and is located in the latched-inposition, in which the snap-action hooks 205 and 206 are positionedbehind the component 369.

It should also be pointed out that, instead of the through-hole 370which is illustrated as a square in FIG. 20, it is also possible to usea round hole, although this then has to be provided with a recess intowhich a corresponding turning-prevention means on the plastic nut fits.

What is claimed is:
 1. A plastic nut for inserting into a through-holein a panel-like component, the plastic nut comprising:a flange parthaving a flange and a spring zone and at least one snap-action hook,wherein said flange part is pressable into the through-hole of thecomponent from a fitting side to latch the at least one snap-action hookat the other side of the component; a nut part having a receiving borefor a screw, wherein said nut part is encased in the spring zone of saidflange part, wherein said nut part is moveable axially within the springzone; and an elastic supporting arrangement which presses said nut partwithin the spring zone toward the at least one snap-action hook of theflange part into abutment against the component, whereby the nut part isfirmly pressed against the component regardless of the thickness of thecomponent.
 2. A plastic nut according to claim 1, wherein the flangepart guides the nut part such that it substantially does not turn.
 3. Aplastic nut according to claim 1, wherein the flange of the flange partis divided up into segments which are each provided with a snap-actionhook.
 4. A plastic nut according to claim 3, wherein the nut part isalso provided with at least one snap-action hook.
 5. A plastic nutaccording to claim 1, wherein the flange part surrounds the nut part ina sleeve-like manner.
 6. A plastic nut according to claim 1, wherein theflange part and the nut part are provided with stops for limiting axialmovement.
 7. A plastic nut according to claim 1, wherein the nut partand flange part are connected to one another integrally via plasticstrips, which form the elastic supporting arrangement.
 8. A plastic nutaccording to claim 1, wherein the nut part and flange part are heldtogether by a latching means, which takes effect when the nut part ispushed into the flange part.
 9. A plastic nut according to claim 8,wherein the latching means contains the elastic supporting arrangement.10. A plastic nut according to claim 1, wherein the flange is provided,on its side which is directed towards the nut part, with aturning-prevention means which fits into the through-hole.
 11. A plasticnut according to claim 1, wherein the flange is provided with a sealingzone.
 12. A plastic nut according to claim 1, wherein the receiving borein the nut part forms a through-passage region on the side which isdirected towards the flange and has a narrower region adjoining saidthrough-passage region.
 13. A plastic nut according to claim 12, whereinthe narrower region has a diameter which makes it possible for aself-tapping screw to be screwably attached therein.
 14. A plastic nutaccording to claim 12, wherein the narrower region has a thread.
 15. Aplastic nut according to claim 13, wherein the receiving bore forms, atits transition to its narrower region, one or more steps via athread-like slope.
 16. A plastic nut according to claim 1, wherein onthe side of the flange which is directed towards the component, theflange is provided with latching noses which can be latched in behindthe side of the component which is directed away from the flange.
 17. Aplastic nut according to claim 1, wherein the flange part guides the nutpart with sufficient play to allow mutual displacement in the radialdirection.
 18. A plastic nut according to claim 1, wherein the at leastone snap-action hook is connected resiliently to the nut part such that,upon insertion, the at least one snap-action hook passes through thethrough-hole substantially freely and, for the purpose of latching in,can be pressed outwards by the action of a screw being screwed therein.19. A plastic nut according to claim 1, wherein the at least onesnap-action hook passes rigidly into the nut part, and the nut part isconnected to the flange part via an elastic supporting arrangement,which presses the nut part in the direction of the flange part and alsoretains the nut part, together with the at least one snap-action hook,in a rotationally resilient manner with respect to the flange part. 20.A plastic nut for inserting into a through-hole in a panel-likecomponent, the plastic nut comprising:a flange part having a flange thatis configured as a plate and a spring zone, wherein the spring zone ofsaid flange part is pressable into the through-hole of the component; anut part provided with at least one snap-action hook and having areceiving bore for a screw, wherein said nut part is encased in thespring zone of said flange part, wherein said nut part is moveableaxially within the spring zone; and an elastic supporting arrangementwhich presses said flange part, relative to said nut part, toward the atleast one snap-action hook of said nut part into abutment against thecomponent and the at least one snap-action hook latches at the otherside of the component, whereby the nut part is firmly pressed againstthe component regardless of the thickness of the component.
 21. Aplastic nut according to claim 20, wherein the flange part guides thenut part such that it substantially does not turn.
 22. A plastic nut forinserting into a through-hole in a panel-like component, the plastic nutcomprising:a flange part having a flange and a spring zone and at leastone snap-action hook, wherein said flange part is pressable into thethrough-hole of the component from a fitting side to latch the at leastone snap-action hook at the other side of the component; a nut parthaving a receiving bore adapted for a screw, wherein said nut part isencased in the spring zone of said flange part and said nut part ismoveable axially within the spring zone,wherein said receiving bore inthe nut part has a through-passage region on the side which is directedtowards the flange and a narrower region adjoining said through-passageregion, wherein said receiving bore has, at the transition between saidthrough-passage region and said narrower region, at least one step via athread-like slope; and an elastic supporting arrangement which pressessaid nut part within the spring zone toward the at least one snap-actionhook of the flange part into abutment against the component, whereby thenut part is firmly pressed against the component regardless of thethickness of the component.
 23. A plastic nut according to claim 22,wherein said narrower region has a diameter adapted for a self-tappingscrew to be screwably attached therein.